Golf: Ko makes steady start at NZ Open

New Zealand golfer Lydia Ko putted well to be in a share of fourth place among the early first round finishers at the New Zealand Women's Open in Christchurch. Photo / Getty Images.

New Zealand golfer Lydia Ko putted well to be in a share of fourth place among the early first round finishers at the New Zealand Women's Open in Christchurch.

Ko mixed five birdies with three dropped shots in cool conditions at Clearwater Golf Club to fire a two-under par and sit one shot behind Australians Nicky Campbell, Tamara Johns and Sarah Oh, who have the early clubhouse lead on three-under 69.

Players faced fine skies and freshening winds on the first morning of the 54-hole championship, co-sanctioned with the Ladies European tour and Australian Ladies Professional Golf.

Campbell, a former LPGA player, shot five birdies and two bogeys, while compatriot Johns mixed six birdies, a bogey and a double bogey in her round. Oh, from NSW, birdied her final hole to card an impressive 69 in the tough conditions.